A Quick Getaway to Dazzling Beaches of Miyakojima on
New Direct Flights from Haneda
The beaches of Miyako Island (Miyakojima), are known to be the most beautiful in the East, and getting there just become much easier.
A new, daily direct flight between Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Miyako began on March 27th. Located between Japan’s Okinawa Islands and Taiwan, Miyako is the largest of a group of five Miyako Islands of Okinawa prefecture. ANA also offers direct flights to Miyako from Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Okinawa’s capital of Naha, and Ishigaki Island, also part of the Okinawan Islands.
A ceremony for the new route was held at Haneda Airport on March 27th. Miyako’s Mayor Toshihiko Shimoji invited tourists to visit their island offering “beautiful beaches, delicious mangos and sugar cane fields.”
Another special guest was Sakana-kun (Mr. Fish), PR ambassador of the ANA Haneda-Miyako route. Sakana-kun is actually a visiting associate professor at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, and he talked about the beauty of the ocean and diversity of marine life, including colorful tropical fish found around Miyako Island.
The event also featured a traditional Okinawan dance called “Eisa” and “Shishimai,” or lion dance, which got great applause for their powerful performance.
Boarding began with a buzz of excitement as commemorative gifts were handed to the passengers, and Sakana-kun went on board himself at the end.
Upon landing, a special water arch greeted the Haneda flight at Miyako Airport, followed by a welcoming ceremony to celebrate the new route. Passengers received more commemorative gifts.
In January last year, the 3,540 meter long (2.2 miles) Irabu Bridge opened in Miyako, to access Irabu and Shimoji Islands by car. There is also the Kurima Bridge connecting to Kurima Island and the Ikema Bridge connecting to Ikema Island. These bridges provide a popular driving route for tourists to conveniently explore each island, and can also be seen from the sky on board the flights.
Miyako Island is best known for its clear blue oceans. The Yonaha-mae Beach is only a 15 minute drive from Miyako Airport and is a highly recommended destination.
Local foods of Miyako Island include Miyako-soba noodles, sushi, and a hamburger made from Miyako Beef. Other famous Okinawan foods such as chanpuru (stir-fry) with goya (bitter melon) and somen noodles are also popular.
Summer is mango season, but ripe papayas are available at this time of year. Enjoying sweets made from these tropical fruits is another attraction of Miyako Island.
Miyako Island is now only a three-hour direct flight away. How about enjoying a nice vacation there?
